Abstract

The canine and feline female reproductive tract comprises internal and external genitalia. The ovaries are found close to the caudal poles of the kidneys and are generally ovoid in shape (although this is less consistent if a large follicle or corpus luteum is present). They have a cortex (containing the follicles) and a medulla. The right ovary is often found dorsal to the ascending colon, and the left ovary is located adjacent to the descending colon. The ovaries are enclosed by the ovarian bursae. The uterine tube begins as the funnel-shaped infundibulum adjacent to the ovary and continues as the ampulla then isthmus until the junction with the uterine horn. The course of the uterine tube is tortuous and lies within the wall of the ovarian bursa. The uterus comprises two horns leading into a short body, terminating in a short thick-walled cervix. The uterine wall has three layers;: an outer serosal layer (perimetrium); a muscular layer (myometrium) and an inner mucosal layer (endometrium). The uterus is generally dorsal to the small intestines, with the body lying ventral to the descending colon and dorsal to the bladder. The chapter discusses Normal radiographic appearance; Contrast radiography; Indications; Ultrasonography; Overview of additional imaging modalities; Normal pregnancy; Female reproductive system diseases; and Mammary glands.

18.4Iatrogenic rupture of the vagina during retrograde vaginourethrography due to occlusion of the urethra by the bulb of the Foley catheter. (a) Filling of vagina evident. (b) Abnormal shape of the cranial vagina, suspected to be due to dissection of the vaginal mucosa through a tear in the muscle layers. No additional filling of bladder noted. (c) Complete vaginal rupture, with dissection of contrast medium into the surrounding tissues. The patient was successfully managed with the placement of an indwelling urinary catheter for a few days.

18.12(a) Ultrasonogram of normal canine fetus at about 30 days of gestation. The fetus can be oriented and the eye is seen as an anechoic structure. (b) Colour Doppler ultrasonogram demonstrating blood flow within the fetal heart.

18.14Lateral radiograph of the abdomen of an intact bitch, demonstrating a large rounded soft tissue mass in the dorsal mid-abdomen with ventral displacement of intestinal structures. The left renal shadow can be seen superimposed on the mass. An ovarian neoplasm was found at exploratory surgery.

18.15(a) Right lateral and (b) VD radiographs of the abdomen of an intact bitch, demonstrating a large soft tissue mass with irregular mineralization in the right mid-abdomen. The mass is causing displacement of the intestines and compression of the cranial pole of the bladder. (c) A teratoma was confirmed on histopathology, and contained hair clumps and sheets of cartilage and foci of bone.

18.19Ultrasonograms demonstrating the appearance of pyometra. (a) Mild dilatation of the uterine horn with echogenic fluid. A transverse view of a loop of jejunum is seen at the right of the image, demonstrating the differing appearance of the walls of the uterus and small intestine. (b) A more dilated uterine horn containing echogenic fluid.

18.20Lateral radiographs demonstrating differing degrees of pyometra. (a) Moderate distension of the uterus, with separation of the bladder and descending colon and occupation of the caudoventral abdomen by coiled soft tissue loops. (b) Severely distended loops of uterus occupying the ventral and caudal abdomen, with dorsal displacement of the intestines.

18.25Lateral positive-contrast retrograde vaginourethrogram showing an ill defined margin to the cranial end of contrast medium column at the interface with the cervix. A cervical neoplasm was found at exploratory surgery.

18.26Lateral radiograph following positive-contrast urethrography and pneumovaginography showing vestibulovaginal stenosis. A soft tissue narrowing between the vagina and vestibule is clearly demonstrated by the negative contrast medium.

18.31Lateral radiograph of the abdomen of an intact bitch, showing dilated loops of uterus occupying the caudoventral abdomen (pyometra was confirmed at exploratory surgery) and multiple mineralized opacities ventral to the abdominal wall. These were confirmed as multiple mineralized mammary gland tumours (arrowheads).